The LPG Association of Pakistan (LPGAP), a grouping of all licensed LPG marketing companies, strongly refuted the allegations by a purported representative of LPG distributors, and published in national newspapers on Wednesday.
The published items have accused LPG marketing companies, among other things, of engaging in 'artificial price hikes' and 'violating the directives of the Prime Minister as well as Ogra rules', and having 'grabbed Rs 90 billion from consumers since September 2004 on artificial price increase'. The facts are significantly different.
The LPG marketing companies operate under licence from the Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra). LPG marketing companies submit Audited Annual Accounts to Ogra in addition to daily, weekly, fortnightly, monthly and quarterly reports on prices, distribution and sales, imports and infrastructure development to Ogra and the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Resources.
The stringent reporting requirements applicable on LPG marketing companies do not apply on LPG distributors appointed by these companies. LPG distributors, in some instances, operate outside the framework of safety and best practices communicated by LPG marketing companies and required under the law. In some instances, LPG distributors benefit from greater margins than LPG marketing companies.
LPG marketing companies and their distributors recognise the critical need to eliminate reported malpractices at the retail side which may include hoarding, profiteering, selling under-filled cylinders and product decanting. LPG marketing companies and their distributors continue to work together and with the Government of Pakistan in recognition of this common purpose and for the benefit of the end-consumer.
The LPG industry is now gearing for a major transformation with the notification last month of Rules on the setting up of LPG autogas fuelling stations. The establishment of autogas station will bring stability in prices, reduce the end cost of product and provide a safe and professional environment for LPG consumers.
LPG marketing companies have and continue to operate within the ambit of the law in complete consonance with the policies and guidelines prescribed by the Government of Pakistan. False and libellous statements circulated by vested interests are a disservice to the general public, to LPG consumers and to the LPG industry, including LPG distributors, which has been a key driver in national economic growth.-PR
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